Latest news with #MarkCurran
Wales Online
5 days ago
- General
- Wales Online
Expert says household plant will thrive because it loves a brew as much as you do
Expert says household plant will thrive because it loves a brew as much as you do Orchids 'bloom brilliantly' when watered with one kitchen ingredient every month A popular indoor plant that can be helped by a popular indoor ingredient (Image: Getty Images) Plants and flowers can always instantly uplift a home, bringing scent, a visually attractive structure and foliage to a space, linking the inside to the outside too. Indoor plants have always been popular and are currently a very popular interior design trend. For someone who wants a plant that is more exotic than most, Orchids are cherished indoor plants due to their striking appearance, but they can be quite temperamental and even more challenging if planted in a garden rather than a more controlled environment inside. It can also be challenging to coax them into flowering during their blooming period, so it's vital to meet an orchid's basic needs, but the main reason orchids fail to bloom is inadequate watering or a lack of proper nutrients - one you can put a reminder on your phone to do the other way to help an orchid be its best is not so obvious as it involes an important aspect of everyday life in Wales. READ MORE: Householders given alert over hanging fairy lights on fences YOU MIGHT ALSO LIKE: Amazon's best-selling window cleaner 'pays for itself after one use' Mark Curran, a horticulturist and founder of Heavenly Orchids, has disclosed that you don't need to spend a fortune on pricey plant food for orchids as they can be revitalised using breakfast leftovers. He said: "Some of the best natural fertilisers for orchids are available on your kitchen shelves." It may seem odd, but one of the top natural scraps to feed your orchids during summer is a cup of tea. This is because it will help hydrate your orchid while providing essential nutrients. For more home and garden content sent to your inbox twice a week sign up to the property newsletter here. Mark clarified: "Black tea has tannins, similar to the tannins that orchids would receive in nature from tree bark, leaves, and moss. Black tea soaks are beneficial for rehydrating and revitalising dehydrated orchids." Simply brew a tea bag in cool and filtered water for 10 minutes, then soak the orchid roots in the tea mixture. When watering orchids, it's recommended to purify the water by filling a container with water and leaving it to stand for at least 24 hours to allow the chlorine in tap water to evaporate. Orchids can be more challenging than other house plants but are worth the effort (Image: Getty Images) Mark said: "Doing this on a daily basis for orchids that have become dehydrated has excellent results. My all-time favourite tea is Barry's Tea from Ireland. When it comes to black tea there is no other tea that compares in flavour and taste. This tea is so strong that you could make an orchid tea solution with the leftover tea bag." Giving orchids a black tea fertiliser will help boost their leaf and root development as it contains nitrogen and potassium, which are essential nutrients for plant growth. Orchids also prefer slightly acidic soil to thrive in, which will help reduce plant stress, but be careful to only give orchids black tea once a month during their growing season, as too much acidity will harm the houseplant. Banana peels are also amongst the best kitchen scraps for orchids, as they contain potassium and phosphorus, which support flower development. For more property, garden, and interior design stories join our Amazing Welsh Homes Facebook group here. Mark said: "Banana peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium and are a good organic fertiliser. Make banana peel tea by steeping fresh banana skins in water for 48 hours, then dilute with four parts water to one." If you're making a brew, make one for your orchid too (Image: Getty Images) Article continues below Eggshells can also help supply orchids with the nutrients they require, as they contain a considerable amount of calcium, which is needed to keep plants healthy and grow stronger. However, make sure you thoroughly clean eggshells of yolk, as any eggy remnants will attract pests and crush up the eggshells as it makes it easier for the orchids to absorb nutrients. Mark explained: "Eggshells contain calcium and you can either make a tea from eggshells that have been cleaned and dried, or you can use a mortar and pestle to grind up the shells and sprinkle into your potting medium where it will act as a slow release fertilizer. "To make an eggshell tea, place cleaned, ground eggshells in a large water bottle or container, let sit for one week before use."
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Orchids 'bloom brilliantly' when watered with one kitchen ingredient every month
Orchids are beautiful, but they can be difficult to keep alive. If you're struggling with your plants, there's a simple hack to help them stay hydrated and bloom again Orchids are treasured houseplants thanks to their stunning appearance, but it can be tricky to encourage them to flower during their blooming period. It's crucial to ensure an orchid's fundamental requirements are satisfied, but the primary reason orchids fail to blossom is insufficient watering or a lack of proper nutrients. Mark Curran, a horticulturist and creator of Heavenly Orchids, has revealed that you don't need to splash out on expensive plant food for orchids as they can be rejuvenated using morning meal leftovers. He explained: "Some of the best natural fertilisers for orchids are available on your kitchen shelves." It comes after Brits are told to never put one banned item in their garden bins, as you could face punishment. It might sound peculiar, but one of the finest natural scraps to nourish your orchids during summer is a cup of tea. This is because it will assist in hydrating your orchid while providing essential nutrients, reports the Express. How to create a natural plant food for orchids using tea Mark explained: "Black tea has tannins, similar to the tannins that orchids would receive in nature from tree bark, leaves, and moss. Black tea soaks are beneficial for rehydrating and revitalising dehydrated orchids." Simply steep a tea bag in cool and filtered water for 10 minutes, then immerse the orchid roots in the tea mixture. When watering orchids, it's advisable to purify the water by filling a vessel with water and allowing it to stand for at least 24 hours to permit the chlorine in tap water to dissipate. Mark said: "Doing this on a daily basis for orchids that have become dehydrated has excellent results. My all-time favourite tea is Barry's Tea from Ireland. "When it comes to black tea there is no other tea that compares in flavour and taste. This tea is so strong that you could make an orchid tea solution with the leftover tea bag." Providing orchids with a black tea fertiliser will help enhance their leaf and root development as it contains nitrogen and potassium, which are vital nutrients for plant growth. Orchids also favour slightly acidic soil to flourish in, which will help minimise plant stress, but be cautious to only give orchids black tea once a month during their growing season, as excessive acidity will damage the houseplant. What else can you give orchids? Banana skins are also among the finest kitchen scraps for orchids, as they contain potassium and phosphorus, which support flower development. Mark said: "Banana peels contain potassium, phosphorus, and calcium and are a good organic fertiliser. Make banana peel tea by steeping fresh banana skins in water for 48 hours, then dilute with four parts water to one." Eggshells can also help provide orchids with the nutrients they require, as they contain a substantial amount of calcium, which is needed to keep plants healthy and grow stronger. However, ensure you thoroughly clean eggshells of yolk, as any eggy remnants will attract pests and crush up the eggshells as it makes it easier for the orchids to absorb nutrients. Mark explained: "Eggshells contain calcium and you can either make a tea from eggshells that have been cleaned and dried, or you can use a mortar and pestle to grind up the shells and sprinkle into your potting medium where it will act as a slow release fertilizer. "To make an eggshell tea, place cleaned, ground eggshells in a large water bottle or container, let sit for one week before use."
Daily Mirror
14-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mirror
Woman's superb hack to make peace lilies flower 'faster than you've ever seen'
A peace lily owner has shared a "great" hack that encourages the houseplant to flower "faster than I've ever seen them grow" - and she's even tried it on her orchids Peace lily houseplants are great for those looking to spruce up dim corners of their homes, not only adding a splash of greenery and colour but also purifying the air. Pop it into a plain pot and watch as its shiny leaves and eye-catching blooms become the centre of attention. While peace lilies are robust and tolerant, coaxing out those enviable blooms requires a bit of know-how. A peace lily expert believes they've found the secret to getting these plants to "bloom faster than ever". On the Gardening UK Facebook group, a lady shared that after treating her peace lily with a common kitchen leftover, she saw a bloom appear in record time. Jane Keane excitedly posted: "I couldn't be happier with my peace lily this morning. Since using banana peels on it, the plant has a new lease of life. "New blooms have appeared faster than I've ever seen them grow before. I've even started to use them on my two orchids and it works great." The green-fingered guru also uploaded a 'before' snap of the unflowered peace lily alongside an 'after' shot showcasing a magnificent white bloom emerging from the foliage. The magic behind this trick might lie in the fact that banana skins supply the peace lily with essential nutrients for blooming. Lawn care specialists highlight that potassium is crucial for peace lilies, particularly aiding in flower production, reports the Express. They suggest that without sufficient potassium, a peace lily is "unlikely to produce flowers". The experts point out that peace lily aficionados can solve this issue by feeding their plants with a "potassium-rich fertiliser" or by "adding some banana peels or eggshells" into the soil to boost its richness. Banana peels are recognised for their aid in flourishing not only peace lilies but also several horticulturists maintain they do wonders for orchids too. As Mark Curran from the Heavenly Orchids blog and renowned orchid care specialist states, banana skins are loaded with nutrients like potassium, calcium and phosphorus, making them a top-notch organic fertiliser. He advises creating a nutrient-packed banana peel tea by letting fresh banana skins steep in water for a couple of days before mixing it with more water at a ratio of 1:4 and serving up this nourishing concoction. Or, green-thumbed enthusiasts can sun dry sliced-up banana peel for a pair of days, then grind the crispy bits into a fine fertiliser dust that can be applied directly to the plant's base. Beyond these nutrient-dense tips, conditions like bright yet indirect sunlight are crucial for ensuring your peace lily blooms astoundingly. Direct sunshine might be a bit harsh and burn the leaves while insufficient light can suppress flowering - so positioning near a north or east-facing window with mild light is the ticket. If daylight is scarce, ponder over deploying a grow lamp for an extra luminous boost.
Yahoo
03-03-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
New Benderson Business Park projected to bring 1,500 jobs to North Port
NORTH PORT – North Port and Sarasota County economic development leaders recently toured the second phase of Benderson Development's North Port Business Park which could to bring 1,500 new jobs to the county's largest city. The tour of the first two buildings of a planned six-building campus – including a 73,000-square-foot space once used as a fulfillment center by Tervis Tumbler – came after the board of the Economic Development Corporation of Sarasota County held a morning meeting at the North Port branch campus of Sarasota Technical College. The school at 4445 Career Lane is on the southwest side of the Toledo Blade Boulevard exit off of Interstate 75, while the business park, which is anticipated to have 678,000 square feet of Class A Dock High industrial space, is on the southeast side. Mark Curran, leasing director for industrial, office and warehouse space in the Southeast for Benderson Development, said that interstate proximity was one of the factors Benderson sees as key for this type of industrial location. Concrete tilt-wall construction and 'dock-high' access for tractor trailer trucks – including 200-foot-long super load trucks – to load and unload, 30-foot high ceilings and ESFR sprinkler systems that quickly quell fires were among the other features big national companies look for in business/warehouse space, he added. 'Big companies came into town, there was no place to go," Curran said. Benderson had owned land in North Port for more than two decades. In 2018, Curran talked with Randy Benderson, CEO of Benderson Development, about the opportunity to develop a business park at the interchange. The North Port/Charlotte County area "did not have anything like this,' Curran added. Benderson is leasing space in two buildings, with the other four slated to be available on April 1. In addition to the land cost, Curran estimated that Benderson has invested $60 million in the industrial park. Among the new tenants mentioned by Curran are Lansing Building Products, World Electric Supply and Wharton-Smith, an engineering firm. They join a longtime existing tenant, Guardian Pharmacy of Southwest Florida. As North Port continues to transition from the bedroom community first envisioned by General Development Corp. when it created the city in the late 1950s to its current 104-square-mile city limits and more than 94,000 people, the Benderson facility will bring jobs – 1,500 new jobs to start. Josh Ewen, vice president for economic development for the Sarasota County EDC, said those jobs are key to developing a diverse economy in North Port. 'The more we all focus on creating a diverse industry here, we'll end up creating jobs and lowering the commute for residents of North Port that really want to live, work and thrive here,' Ewen said. Michael Meerman, North Port Economic Development Manager noted that's 500 new jobs with the space already filled and 1,500 job additions. 'Anytime you have job additions, that's noteworthy.' 'These are not low paying jobs, these are good paying jobs,' noted Lori Barnes, assistant development services director for the city of North Port. 'Ninety percent of the workforce commutes out of the city of North Port – 1,500 jobs is huge.' North Port Development Services Director noted that neither Guardian Pharmacy nor Wharton-Smith would have called North Port home without the type of space offered in the Benderson warehouse. 'Wharton Smith, that's engineers, CAD drawers, project managers – highly skilled people who are now working in North Port and they're going to spend money in North Port,' she added. While the rapid population growth to 100,000 people makes North Port more attractive to retailers, the fact that 90% working residents commute also means that residents are more likely to shop and socialize outside of the city limits – referred to as 'retail leakage.' Ray noted that because of sales tax receipts and other data tracked by the EDC as well as the state of Florida, the city's retail leakage is estimated to be more than $700 million a year. The definition of 'retail' includes stores, restaurants, craft breweries and entertainment venues such as indoor golf or Top Golf. 'That's a huge number, when you say that to retail developers, their eyes light up because they see opportunity,' Ray said, 'That's one of the things that we're promoting to developers. 'We have a market here that's built in that's having to drive distances to get their needs met and they can find a new market here.' She noted that when retail business developers learn about that $700 million figures at trade shows, 'They look at us and say, 'How did we not know you were here?'' Recently, North Port was ranked seventh in MoneyGeek's analysis of the most affordable and safest small cities in the U.S., named one of the best places to start a business, and recognized as Florida's No. 2 most livable city. But until last August – when the City Commission passed a long-overdue rewrite of the city's unified land development code – some of those businesses may have not been able to find anywhere in the 104-square-mile city to easily locate. Case in point, Charlie Foxtrot Brewing had been eyeing North Port to open but ultimately opted for Port Charlotte because the zoning did not exist. 'We definitely have it now,' Ray said, referring to zoning for a business like a brew pub. 'This isn't old North Port.' Ray noted that the new land development codes received heavy criticism during public meeting and public meetings but ultimately cities must change. 'There is no status quo,' Ray said. 'Status quo is an illusion, as a city you're either going to grow and progress or you're going to decay. 'You constantly have to be changing,' she added 'That reinvestment is critical.' This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Economic development officials see jobs from North Port Business Park
